the 'universities and college union' (UCU) organised a protest outside the college of north east london in tottenham at lunchtime today as part of the european TUC's day of action against cuts.  it was also supported by 'haringey alliance for public services'.  the demo is one of several running up to a big protest march and rally on the eve of the council budget on monday 18th october in wood green.

a couple of dozen people turned up for the lunchtime protest in damp conditions this afternoon.

with a megaphone, some percussion, chants and placards, the spirited protest attracted quite a lot of interest and a large group of students watched, listened to speeches and took leaflets about the upcoming march on the 18th october.

monday the 18th will see an assembly at wood green library in the high street at 5.30, marching to the civic centre for a rally at 6.30

inside the civic centre, the council will be meeting on the eve of a budget set to bring massive cuts to public services in haringey.

the protests are hoping to stop a massive programme of cuts, closures and privatisation threats, with between 10 and 25% set to be slashed from provision for 16 to 18 year olds, and with up to 40% set to go over the next four years from the adult skills budget.

protestors fear swingeing cuts to local services of all kinds, hospital and health services, public sector jobs, the voluntary and community sector, and to welfare benefits.

they are calling for councillors to stand up to government and refuse to implement the devastating cuts, or to resign.

to get involved or find out about resistance to cuts in haringey, contact 'haringey alliance fro public services' (HAPS) at www.hapsnews.net